A-SPAN to Host Spring Gala, Inaugurate New Award

Sun Gazette - The Arlington Street People's Assistance Network (A-SPAN) will hold its spring gala, "A Welcome Home Celebration," on Friday, May 10 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Washington Golf & Country Club. Sponsored by Koons Toyota Arlington, the gala will feature dinner and libations, as well as live music and live and silent auctions. Read More >

100 People Speak on Budget

by Jonathan Kim - More than a hundred speakers gathered before the county board Tuesday night to weigh in on the proposed fiscal year 2014 budget which starts in July. Arlingtonians found strength in numbers and grouped themselves under three major thematic areas: the young, affordable housing, and the needy and vulnerable. Read More >

Arlington County Board approves year-round homeless shelter

By Jenny Doren - The battle by some Arlington residents to keep the homeless from becoming their neighbors ended in defeat. Over the weekend, the Arlington County Board unanimously approved a year-round shelter in the Courthouse neighborhood. The decision comes after almost a year of protest. But what not everyone realizes is... Read More >

Board Approves Homeless Shelter Despite Neighbor Concerns

by ARLnow.com - The Arlington County Board on Saturday voted to approve a controversial use permit for the county’s new year-round Homeless Services Center in Courthouse. The permit will allow the county and the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network to run a year-round homeless shelter in the office building at 2020 14th St... Read More >

Arlington Board Formally Approves Year-Round Service Center

By Jason Spencer - A year-round homeless service center on two floors of the seven-story office building at 2020 14th St. N. in the Courthouse community has received final approval from the Arlington County Board. For advocates of ending homelessness, it was a victory a long time in the making. It advances Arlington's goal of providing... Read More >

County Board Green-Lights All-Year Facility for Homeless

by Scott McCaffrey - County Board members on March 16 approved a use permit that will allow the county government to move forward with an all-year homeless-services center in Courthouse. “I thought we would never get to this moment,” said Rev. Richard Cobb of Central United Methodist Church, who was among those advocating... Read More >

Arlington board approves permit for homeless shelter

By Patricia Sullivan - The Arlington County board voted unanimously Saturday in favor of a special use permit that will allow a homeless shelter to be operated in a building near the courthouse. The Homeless Services Center will occupy two floors of the seven-story, county-owned building at 2020 14th St. N. It will offer 50 permanent beds, five medical... Read More >

Arlington Board Approves Use Permit for Homeless Services Center

Arlington, VA- The County Board today unanimously approved a Use Permit to allow a dormitory to be part of the new Homeless Services Center in the Courthouse neighborhood. The Use Permit allows the Center to include an overnight shelter, consisting of 50 permanent beds, five medical respite beds, and an additional 25 beds during winter. Read More >

Mar. 11, 2013

Despite strides, Northern Virginia still grappling with homelessness

Alicia Lozano & Andrew Mollenbeck - Northern Virginia houses some of the country's wealthiest and most educated people. The area is home to several of the best high schools and most affluent counties in the nation. In November, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell announced that the state's homeless population... Read More >

County Board Action on Homeless Shelter Slated for Saturday

Sun Gazette - They likely will have to first sit through hostile testimony from neighbors, but County Board members on Saturday are expected to approve a key component of the planned year-round homeless-services center in Courthouse. Board members are being asked to approve a use permit that would allow the first two floors of an office... Read More >

Year-Round Center Fits Plan, Planning Commission Says

By Jason Spencer - Advocates of ending homelessness in Arlington County showed their support for a new year-round homeless service center in the Courthouse community Thursday night. Frustrated residents who live nearby the proposed center reiterated their concerns about safety and, in some cases, property values. Read More >

Homeless Center: Residents, County Still at Odds

By Jason Spencer - Residents of the Woodbury Heights condominiums in the Courthouse community began mobilizing in November 2011 to oppose Arlington County's plan to acquire a seven-story office building and convert two floors to a year-round homeless service center. They showed up at meeting after meeting, voicing concerns over security and... Read More >

Charity Donates Supply of Winter Gear for Arlington's Homeless

By Jason Spencer - Arlington's homeless might not be as cold during the so-called snowquester thanks to a major donation Tuesday from a Washington-area charity. A-SPAN, the Arlington Street People's Assistance Network, received 26 boxes of supplies on Tuesday from Gifts for the Homeless... Read More >

Mar. 5, 2013

Homeless Shelter Abuse

Hosted by Jacob Soboroff – When we think of homeless shelters we think that people are being protected from the streets. But who ensures the safety of the homeless once they enter the shelter? Guests include: Jan Sacharko @JanMichaelDC (Washington, DC) Director of Development & Communications, A-SPAN... Read More >

County to Consider Security Measure for Homeless Services Center

by Natalie Kornicks - With only one month until the Arlington County Board meets to approve or deny a use permit to turn the recently acquired building at 2020 N. 14th St. into a permanent homeless shelter, police crime reports related to the existing shelter have residents concerned for their safety, and county staff says... Read More >

Sober and Housed after 14 Years

By Jake Maguire - Mr. C. was kicked out of a family member's apartment in 1999 when his drinking got out of hand. Since then, he's been living under a bridge in Arlington, VA, just outside the nation's capital. In July of last year, after more than 20 years of alcohol abuse, Mr. C. took his last drink and checked into a long-term shelter and treatment center. Read More >

Volunteers Comb Streets, Woods for Annual Count of Homeless

By Jason Spencer - A team of about 30 volunteers combed the streets and woods of Arlington on Wednesday to survey the county's homeless population. It's a census of sorts, conducted annually by the Arlington Street People's Assistance Network, or A-SPAN, and other agencies that serve the homeless. The Point-in-Time Count... Read More >

Homeless Census Today, Shelter Use Increases

by Katie Pyzyk - Volunteers and staff from Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) are canvassing the county today for the annual census of homeless people. The local Point-in-Time Count is part of a nationwide count that occurs during the last 10 days in January each year. The census helps to highlight trends, justify requests... Read More >

Concerns Linger at Final Arlington Shelter Hearing

By Mark Rose - Some residents of Arlington, Virginia, angry about a county plan to open a homeless shelter in a downtown office building, had sharp words for officials at a third and final public meeting held on the project. At the January 14 hearing, residents of condominium and apartment complexes near the site contended that the Arlington County... Read More >

Deep freeze grips Washington area

By Maggie Fazeli Fard and Carol Morello - Washingtonians shivered through a second day of sub-freezing temperatures and biting winds Wednesday morning, giving the region its first true taste of winter this year. Wind chills across the District, Maryland and Virginia made temperatures in the 20s feel more like the teens. Read More >

D.C. weather: Region braces for another cold night

By Steve Chenevey, Stephen Tschida - Biting wind carrying stinging cold has the region bundling up. The severe cold put old or frail furnaces on the fritz and a Winter Weather Advisory is issued for the D.C. area after midnight. There’s also the chance for a dusting of snow in the greater D.C. area. Fatuma Adris is working indoors and freezing. Read More >

Arlington Neighbors Debate New Shelter

By Mark Rose - Advocates in Arlington, Virginia are celebrating a plan to open a year-round homeless services center in an office building recently purchased by the county. Less thrilled are some of the residents of a condominium complex and several apartment buildings near the new shelter facility, planned for a site within... Read More >

Tis The Season

Posted by Jan-Michael Sacharko - The last few weeks have seen lots of holiday kindness from local Arlington schools and community groups for A-SPAN’s clients. We want to thank all of them again here and share with everyone some of the great things that these students and neighbors have done. The Rosslyn BID kicked off the season by... Read More >

Record Is Set in Rosslyn Winter-Clothing Drive

Sun Gazette - The Rosslyn Business Improvement District, or BID, collected 119 bags of donated clothing from commercial and residential building throughout Rosslyn – doubling its total from last year’s collection – during the early part of the holiday season.  The “Light Up Rosslyn, Light Up a Life” campaign was a month-long winter clothing drive... Read More >

Why Some Homeless Choose The Streets Over Shelters

ARI SHAPIRO, HOST - Hypothermia kills an estimated 700 people experiencing, or at-risk of homelessness each year, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless. Every day, street outreach workers in cities across the nation go out into communities to encourage people on the street to take shelter, but many homeless people refuse. Read More >

“Light Up Rosslyn” on Thursday night

Celebrate the holidays at the 19th annual “Light Up Rosslyn” ceremony and clothing drive Thursday night. Join News Channel 8’s Devon Lucie as he flips the switch to illuminate Roslyn’s soaring skyline at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 6. The free event will take place at the Artisphere, located at 1101 Wilson Boulevard. Read More >

Tension Remains as County, Neighborhood Talk Homeless Center

By Jason Spencer - Arlington County held the first in a series of public input meetings Wednesday night on the design of the planned year-round homeless service center for the Courthouse community. By coincidence or by design, the evening doubled as a first attempt to broker peace between the county government and people in the... Read More >

Decades after Vietnam, a Permanent Home for Ernie

By Jake Maguire - Ernie served in the Navy for seven years during Vietnam before returning to Arlington, VA. He worked for a defense contractor for many years, but was eventually laid off and forced to seek sporadic work as a day laborer. When he threw his back out, even these temporary jobs became impossible. Read More >

'At Least I Know Where I'll Sleep Tonight' — Vet Gets Apartment

By Jason Spencer - Ernie Maas, 61, has been homeless in Arlington County for at least the past two years. A 61-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who has survived on the streets of Arlington for at least the past two years has a lot to be thankful for today. With the help of the Arlington Street People's Assistance Network and others, Ernie Maas now has a home. Read More >

Homeless Arlington veteran finally settles into home

By Steve Vogel - Ernie Maas could not help choking up as he took his first look around his new home Wednesday afternoon, a simple one-bedroom, federally subsidized apartment on North Glebe Road in Arlington County. Maas, 61, who served in the Navy for seven years during and after the Vietnam War... Read More >

Navy veteran gets new home in Arlington

By Kathy Park - After spending two years on the streets, a Navy veteran got the keys to his new apartment in Arlington Wednesday. Ernest Maas called the woods of Four Mile Run Park home for nearly three years. Thanks to donations and the help of a local non-profit, Maas has a warm place to call home. Read More >

Plans for homeless shelter upsets some Arlington residents

By Jenny Doren - The controversy continues over a new homeless shelter slated for Arlington. The county bought a seven-story office building on 14th Street North in Courthouse. Come 2014, five floors will house government workers; the other two floors will be open year-round to those sleeping on the streets. Read More >

Officials Finalize Deal on Building to House Homeless Center

Sun Gazette - County officials on Nov. 20 finalized the purchase of a seven-story Courthouse-area building to be used for government offices and a two-level homeless-services center. Closing on the deal came three days after the County Board agreed to spend $27.125 million to purchase the building, located at 2020 14th St. North. Read More >

County officials line up behind shelter

By Patricia Sullivan - While opponents of the creation of an Arlington County homeless services center, including a 24/7 year-round shelter, have made a lot of noise over the past year, they are going up against unified official and significant unofficial support. The board unanimously agreed Saturday to spend $27.1 million on a seven-story... Read More >

Board Approves Purchase of Property for Homeless Shelter

by Katie Pyzyk - At its meeting on Saturday, Nov. 17, the County Board unanimously approved the controversial acquisition of an office building (2020 14th Street N.) in Courthouse that will house county offices and a homeless shelter. The shelter, which will occupy two of the building’s seven floors... Read More >

Arlington buys building for offices, shelter

By Patricia Sullivan - The Arlington County Board voted unanimously Saturday to spend $27.1 million on a seven-story building near the courthouse that will provide office space for county employees and a year-round homeless shelter, an addition that has angered nearby residents. Most of the floors at 2020 14th St. North will be... Read More >

Arlington Board OKs $27M for Homeless Center, Office Space

By Jason Spencer - Unanimous vote takes place under protest of nearby residents. The Arlington County Board on Saturday unanimously approved spending about $27 million to buy the Thomas Building at 2020 14th St. N. in the Courthouse area, two floors of which are planned to be converted to a year-round homeless service center. Read More >

Condo Residents Still Upset Over Shelter Move

by Steve Thurston - When the first person to offer a contract on Rick Pollack’s condominium backed out, Pollack said the buyer left because of something in the condominium documents. He never found out what in particular drove the buyer away. However, the documents included the condo’s newsletter... Read More >

New Arlington Homeless Shelter Up For Vote By County Board

By Ashley Dejean - The Arlington County Board is voting on whether to move forward on plans to develop a new homeless shelter. The county is considering buying a seven story office building near the Courthouse Metro and converting two floors into a comprehensive service shelter for the homeless. The permanent shelter would provide housing... Read More >

Homeless shelter still divides Arlington residents, officials

by Taylor Holland - An 11-month battle between Arlington residents and government officials over plans for a year-round homeless shelter will likely climax on Saturday, when the Arlington County Board is expected to approve the project despite residents’ concerns for their safety. Officials announced in December their intentions to purchase... Read More >

Arlington Board to Vote on Year-Round Homeless Center

By Rachel Hatzipanagos and Jason Spencer - Elected officials will vote Saturday on whether to buy a seven-story building in the Courthouse community. Plans call for spending $42.6 million over five years on acquisition, renovation. Following nearly a year of negotiations, Arlington County is poised to acquire the seven-story Thomas Building... Read More >

County to Vote on Purchase of Thomas Building

Mercury - County staff has put a proposal on the table asking the Arlington County Board to purchase 2020 N. 14th Street for $27.125 million, $1.625 million more than the county approved last December when the board told staff to pursue the property. If the board approves the purchase on Nov. 17... Read More >

County Appears Poised to Buy 14th St. Property

Sun Gazette - Eleven months after first announcing plans to obtain a Courthouse-area office building – by force of eminent domain, if necessary – the county government appears to have sealed the deal using cold, hard cash. Officials announced Nov. 9 that they expect to go to closing on the seven-story property on Nov. 20... Read More >

Arlington shelter battle may resume

By Patricia Sullivan - The impending $27.1 million purchase of a new seven-story home for Arlington County government would not be very controversial if not for what is planned for two of its lower floors — a comprehensive homeless services program and year-round shelter for single adults. Read More >

County Board to Consider Acquisition of Courthouse-Area Property

by Diana Sun - The Arlington County Board on Nov. 17 will be asked to approve the County’s acquisition of the seven-story office building at 2020 14th St. N.  The County Board will consider a purchase contract that reflects an expected purchase price of $27.125 million. County staff estimates the total project cost at approximately $42 million... Read More >

Board Asked to Approve Purchase of Homeless Shelter Building

by Katie Pyzyk - Next week, the Arlington County Board will be asked to approve the County’s acquisition of a building in Courthouse that will house offices and a homeless shelter. At its meeting next Saturday (November 17), the Board will examine the purchase contract for the building (2020 14th St. N.)... Read More >

Tuccillo Lauded as Sparkplug for Civic Involvement

by Scott McCaffrey - Meg Tuccillo chuckles. She has always aspired to be a version – albeit a taller one – of the late, legendary Arlington civic leader and educator Elizabeth Campbell. Like Campbell before her, Tuccillo is now a recipient of the William T. Newman Jr. Spirit of Community Award... Read More >

Lowering Medical Costs for the Homeless

Rosslyn BID - Neither a poor economy nor housing market issues left James and his wife Sarah homeless. Rather, the cause was his medical condition - severe, untreated diabets coupled with no health care insurance. When his diabetes worsened, he lost his job as a chef, then lost his house, then his savings. Read More >

Rosslyn Walk for the Homeless

Rosslyn BID - The Rosslyn BID has teamed with A-SPAN to host a Walk for the Homeless on Halloween, Wednesday, October 31. The one-mile walk through the heart of the neighborhood is open to all, and will raise critical funds to assist emergency, supportive, housing and shelter services for homeless individuals in Arlington. Read More >

Why We Give

By Adrienne Wichard-Edds - Altruism isn’t entirely selfless. Many of those who give their time and money are finding it’s a two-way street. It was May 25, 2012. Suzie Buck was busily helping to plan the September 50th-anniversary gala for Phoenix House—an Arlington nonprofit that provides treatment for people struggling with drug and alcohol...Read More >

Brief: Walk for Homeless Benefits A-SPAN

Connection - Step out for your lunch break on Halloween, Wednesday, Oct. 31, and join hundreds of Rosslyn business employees and residents as they take steps to end homelessness in the first “Rosslyn Walk for the Homeless” to benefit the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN). Read More >

Worlds Apart

By Kris Coronado - Incomes and property values are rising in Arlington. So is the number of residents relying on food pantries, free medical care and housing assistance. "Come on, Federer! Prove why you’re number one! Come on, fool!” It’s a late morning in August, and Marvin “Happy” Robbins is glued to his 63-inch TV... Read More >

Park(ing) Day 2012: Transforming spaces into works of art

By Jenny Doren - If you see a group of people "parked" on a piece of sod or a parking spot completely transformed into a work of art, don't adjust those glasses. Friday is Park(ing) Day 2012 , a worldwide event that gives people the chance to transform metered parking spots into temporary public parks at no charge. Read More >

County Combats Chronic Homelessness

By Victoria Ross - Arlington kicked off its campaign last October, when 150 volunteers and civic leaders hit the streets before dawn to survey and register homeless persons living on the streets of Arlington. One of the key strategies of the campaign is train teams to identify the chronic homeless during “registry week.” Read More >

Tuccillo to Receive Top Award from Community Foundation

Sun Gazette - The Arlington Community Foundation has named veteran local educator Meg Tuccillo as recipient of the 2012 William T. Newman Jr. Spirit of Community Award. The honor will be presented at the annual Spirit of Community luncheon, to be held on Thursday, Nov. 8 at the Renaissance Capital View Hotel in Crystal City. Read More >

Space Invaders

By Vicky Hallett - Ahoy, matey! Best put down the grog while riding the Metro, or I’ll call you a bilge rat! Wait — sorry, I read my calendar wrong. Talk Like a Pirate Day was Wednesday. Today’s actually Park(ing) Day, an annual worldwide event dedicated to turning metered parking spaces into pop-up parks. Read More >

Rebuilding a Winter Shelter

Connection - Washington Capitals alumnus and Hall of Fame honoree Rod Langway along with Bullets alumnus Bob Dandridge volunteered to work with the 40-plus staff members of Monumental Sports & Entertainment in helping refurbish a winter shelter for the homeless in Arlington on Tuesday, Sept. 11. Read More >

Sept. 14, 2012

Monumental Sports Participates in 9/11 Day of Service for A-SPAN

Washington Capitals - Caps alum and Hall of Famer Rod Langway and Bullets alumnus Bob Dandridge participated alongside 40 Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) staff members on Tuesday, Sept. 11, to prepare Arlington County’s Emergency Winter Shelter for its opening day, scheduled for Nov. 1. Read More >

Volunteers Help Revitalize Arlington Winter Homeless Shelter

By Rachel Hatzipanagos - About 60 volunteers from firefighters to retired professional athletes picked up a paintbrush and helped rehabilitate a winter emergency shelter for the homeless in the Courthouse area Tuesday. “When our clients come back they will feel like they’re being treated with dignity and respect,” said Kathleen Sibert... Read More >

Deal for Building to House Homeless Center Is Still in Works

by Scott McCaffrey - It may still be several months before the county government finalizes an agreement to purchase a Courthouse-area office building for use as staff offices and a year-round homeless-services facility. But county officials remain confident they will get the job done. Read More >

Back Story: Housing For All

By Kim Roberts - "The most exciting thing for everyone here is when we move someone into housing," says A-SPAN Executive Director Kathy Sibert. "We load a van with donated furniture, and while the client is signing a lease, we set up the apartment, so it's all ready for them when they arrive." Sibert is... Read More >

Signature, A-SPAN Team Up to Help Those in Need

Sun Gazette - Signature Theatre is teaming up with the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) to support those in need across the community. Anyone who makes a charitable donation to A-SPAN – whether new undergarments, new socks, jeans, sneakers or hygienic items – will... Read More >

July 30, 2012

Welcome Home, William!

By Jake Maguire - This week's Monday move-in story spotlights William in Arlington, VA. William spent three years on the streets in Arlington, VA. At age 62, he had already outlived the life expectancy of someone experiencing homelessness, and he worried for his health and personal safety. Read More >

Arlington Gets Praise in First Year of "100 Homes" Campaign

by Aaron Kraut - Earlier this month, the 2012 National Conference on Ending Homelessness recognized Arlington County as one of 15 communities nationwide that are “on track” to end homelessness among the medically vulnerable within four years. The claim is based on a benchmark set by... Read More >

New Era for the D.C. Knights

By Chris Trevino - There is nothing remarkable about North College Street in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is a plain three lane, one-way route, barely a mile long riding out from downtown. With a hotel, restaurants, a church, bus stops and office buildings, North College is no different from a million other... Read More >

County Honored for Successes in Ending Homelessness

Sun Gazette - Arlington was one of 15 communities across the nation recently saluted for its work on ending chronic homelessness. The county was among the honorees at the 2012 National Conference on Ending Homelessness, sponsored by the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Read More >

The Tigers have Almost Made it to the SSUSA Cup

By Chris Trevino - Friday July, 27, 2012 will mark Sarah Morse’s three year anniversary as a staff member with the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN). But it might be difficult for her to take a moment and reflect on all the things she has accomplished in her time with the agency. Read More >

Virginia Street Soccer Team Shoots for USA Cup in New York City

By Chris Trevino - Ken Belkosky’s dream began with a movie. Well, it was actually a movie ticket, a free one given to him by a friend to the E Street Cinema. The movie was Kicking It, a 2008 documentary about a homeless soccer team from Africa and its journey to the Homeless World Cup. Read More >

Ashlawn Elementary Students Support A-SPAN Outreach Effort

Sun Gazette - Students and staff from Ashlawn Elementary School on June 22 presented 1,300 bottles of water to the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) in support of an outreach initiative slated for June 28. On that date, outreach workers will take to the streets of Arlington – Read More >

A-SPAN, Doorways Benefit from United Way Initiative

Sun Gazette - The Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) and Doorways for Women and Families were among 24 charitable organizations from across the Washington area to participate in the first “Shoebox Campaign” sponsored by United Way of the National Capital Area. Read More >

Think Twice Before You Slice

by Chuck Bean and Glen O’Gilvie - Recent news reports point to a region recovering from the economic crisis. But our region cannot bounce back until everyone recovers. Consider the Waltons, who are among 150 families staying at hotels because this winter D.C. General family shelter filled up... Read More >

Stronger Effort to House Homeless Appears to Be Gathering Steam

by Scott McCaffrey - A more aggressive effort to find permanent housing for the county’s homeless is slowly bearing fruit. More than 20 of the 153 homeless people identified last year through the county government’s “100 Homes” effort have been placed in suitable housing, including two in recent weeks... Read More >

A-SPAN Receives HUD Grant

by ARLnow.com - The Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network has been awarded a $93,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grant — one of the $2.1 million in grants awarded by HUD in Virginia — will help A-SPAN and its “Open Doors” program... Read More >

Housing costs trouble many Arlingtonians

By Patricia Sullivan - The biggest problem facing Arlingtonians, by many measures, is the cost of housing. If you don’t have it, and you’re not financially well-off, you can be in for a long, painful search. The median income in the county is a healthy $110,000, but for the half of the population who make less... Read More >

A-SPAN Receives Grant Funds for Transitional Housing

Sun Gazette - The Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) has received a $93,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in support of its permanent supportive housing program for chronically homeless individuals. Read More >

HUD Awards A-SPAN $93K to House Chronically Homeless Adults

Posted by Jan-Michael Sacharko - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced $93,000 in new funding for A-SPAN’s Permanent Supportive Housing Programs (PSH) for chronically homeless individuals. This funding is part of an overall $2.1 million in grants... Read More >

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Posted by Jan-Michael Sacharko - On March 20th, cooks and servers from Lyon Hall delivered a hot and fresh meal for 70 clients staying at the Arlington County Emergency Winter Shelter. It was not the first time they had done so – hopefully won’t be the last – but it was very special and a great gift... Read More >

Food Brings Laughter to the Soul

By Jason Spencer - A-SPAN, the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network, hosted an abbreviated “restaurant week” this week at its emergency winter shelter thanks to the time, resources and generosity of two local businesses. Lyon Hall cooked and served meals to about 70 homeless people... Read More >

Nonprofits Ask for Funds at Budget Hearing

By ARLnow.com - A public hearing on the county’s proposed tax rate changes is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. tonight. Meanwhile, Tuesday’s budget hearing was largely dominated by the pleas of nonprofits — those that help the homeless, provide affordable housing, work for the rights of immigrants, etc. — Read More >

Nonprofits, Community Groups Make Case for Tax Dollars

By Jason Spencer - The 44-year-old homeless man who was found dead in Virginia Square this week was a client of the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network. “He grew up here, he went to our schools and he died on our streets,” said Kathy Sibert, A-SPAN’s executive director. Read More >

Where should your taxes go? Activists have ideas

By Patricia Sullivan - It’s an annual ritual of local government: When budget time rolls around, nonprofit organizations line up to attest to their need and worth to the community from whence all taxes flow. The Arlington County Board’s public hearing Tuesday night drew more than 75 speakers... Read More >

Women Honored for Visionary Approach to Leadership

by Scott McCaffrey - The 2012 Arlington Women of Vision Awards, presented March 6 by the Arlington Commission on the Status of Women, showcased four individuals who, in different ways, are effecting positive change in the community. Carolyn Cook, Angela Fox, Kathleen Sibert and... Read More >

2012 ‘Women of Vision’ Recipients Announced

Sun Gazette - The Arlington Commission on the Status of Women has selected four individuals for its 2012 Arlington County Women of Vision honors, to be presented Tuesday, March 6 at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) conference center in Ballston. Carolyn Cook... Read More >

Honorees Chosen for Women of Vision Award

by Katie Pyzyk - Just in time for the start of Women’s History Month on Thursday, four winners have been named for this year’s Arlington County Women of Vision award. Carolyn Cook, Angela Fox, Anita Friedman and Kathy Sibert were chosen by the Arlington County Commission on the Status of Women... Read More >

Weather Better This Year for Annual Count of Homeless

Sun Gazette - Mother Nature cooperated this time, as community volunteers spread out across Arlington Jan. 25 in the annual point-in-time survey of homeless residents. “It was wonderful that this year, for the first year in the last three, it was good weather – cold, but no snow,” said Kathleen Sibert... Read More >

Local advocates reflect after homeless man’s death

By Jackson Perry - Steps from the Leo J. O’Donovan Dining Hall and the Southwest Quad, the woods between Canal Road and the University’s southern driveway are home to a small community of the Georgetown neighborhood’s homeless. On Thursday, 19 Jan, 56-year-old Clark Carvaly... Read More >

Meeting People at the Shelter

By Tiffany K, A-SPAN Volunteer- Yesterday morning, I went back to volunteer at the Emergency Winter Shelter for an early morning shift. It was a completely different experience than volunteering after work and, even though it was tough to get up so early, I'm really thankful for the experience. Read More >

AmeriCorps Members Lend a Hand at A-SPAN

By Catherine K. Ludwig - Yesterday for our Martin Luther King Day of Service, my fellow AmeriCorps members and I cleaned and organized at the Arlington Street Peoples’ Assistance Network ( A-SPAN), which is a homelessness assistance group in Arlington, VA. A-SPAN offers... Read More >

A-SPAN Places Formerly Homeless Client in Housing

By Ellen Scott - Robert Lohman slept in his tent in the woods in the Spout Run area last night, and tonight he will be able to sleep in his very own apartment for the first time in 10 years, thanks to A-SPAN.  “I was ready to come out of the cold, I’m very lucky,” said Lohman who signed his lease today ... Read More >

Credit Union's Efforts Assist A-SPAN With Winter Necessities

Sun Gazette - Arlington Community Federal Credit Union recently provided a $500 donation and the results of a community winter-coat drive to the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN). More than 110 winter coats, hats, scarves, snow boots and gloves, along with a host of toiletry items... Read More >

Veterans Affairs claims progress in ending homelessness among vets

By Steve Vogel - Halfway into an ambitious five-year campaign to end homelessness among veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs says it has made enough progress that the goal is within reach, even as a new generation of veterans returns from Iraq and Afghanistan. Read More >

Former homeless man gets a new lease on life

By Haley Harrison - With the stroke of a pen, Deshaye Blackwell signed a new lease on life. Hours earlier, he was living on the streets. With supporters by his side, Blackwell says he's known all along, a higher power would make moving day possible. "Just prayed a lot and stayed focused... Read More >

Arlington approves plan for new homeless shelter

ARLIGNTON, Va. (AP) - The Arlington County Board is moving forward on a plan that would put a year-round homeless shelter in what is now a commercial office building. The board early Wednesday voted unanimously to authorize County Manager Barbara Donnellan to make a $25.5 million offer... Read More >

Neighbors petition against move of emergency homeless shelter

ABC-7 - Arlington County officials want to move an emergency homeless shelter one block down the street and vastly expand services offered to the county's 300 adults who live on the streets. But some neighbors are petitioning to stop the move, worried it will bring panhandling, crime and loitering... Read More >

Our Man in Arlington

By Charlie Clark - When Arlington officials climbed aboard the campaign to eradicate local homelessness this October, you could sense a cautiousness when discussion turned to the desire long held by activists to create a year-round shelter. Now it's clear why. A new proposal to buy a building... Read More >

Arlington plan for homeless shelter faces neighborhood opposition

By Patricia Sullivan - Residents and small-business owners in an Arlington neighborhood, outraged over the county’s plan to put a year-round homeless shelter in an office building it plans to buy, are circulating petitions, organizing meetings and planning to fight the proposal before the County Board... Read More >

Community Foundation Bestows $171,000 in New Grants

Sun Gazette - The Arlington Community Foundation’s board of trustees has approved grants totaling more than $171,000 to 45 local non-profit organizations and schools through its Community Enhancement, Homelessness Prevention and Arlington Education Fund grant programs. Read More >

Sacharko Named Outstanding Young Virginian

By Abby Albright - Arlington's own Jan-Michael Sacharko of Arlington Street People's Assistance Network (A-SPAN) has been named a 2011 Outstanding Young Virginian by the Virginia Jaycees. The award is presented to young people across the commonwealth of Virginia who make a positive... Read More >

Arlington eyeing high-rise for homeless shelter

By Aubrey Whelan - A Courthouse Plaza office building that Arlington County officials have been eyeing for years is on the market, and county officials say that if they can't agree with its owners on a price, they'll consider seizing the building under eminent domain. Read More >

Arlington Eyes Acquisition of Building for Redevelopment

By Jason Spencer - Arlington County has its sights set on acquiring a seven-story building at 2020 14th St. North in order to meet its needs for more space and set the stage for the redevelopment of the heart of the Courthouse community. The acquisition would allow the county to consolidate operations... Read More >

Proposed Building Purchase Would Allow Year-Round Shelter

By ARLnow.com - Arlington County Manager Barbara Donnellan will recommend that the County Board approve the purchase of 2020 14th Street N., a seven-story office building in Courthouse, according to a county news release. The purchase of the $25.5 million, 70,000 square foot building... Read More >

Plan Would Provide Space for Homeless Center, Aid Redevelopment

by Scott McCaffrey - County Manager Barbara Donnellan on Nov. 22 proposed a complex real estate transaction, one that – if it makes it through not-insubstantial hurdles – would provide for a year-round shelter and service center for the county’s homeless... Read More >

Year-round homeless shelter proposed in Arlington

By Kathy Park - An office building in Arlington may help the fight against homelessness. The county manager has proposed buying the property to help redevelopment in the courthouse area while addressing the challenges of the emergency winter shelter. Read More >

Arlington may buy seven-story building for offices, homeless shelter

By Patricia Sullivan - Arlington County manager Barbara Donnellan will ask the County Board next month to buy a seven-story office building near the Clarendon-neighborhood Courthouse Plaza to house county offices and a permanent adult homeless shelter. Read More >

Arlington County Manager to Recommend County Board Acquire 2020 14th Street North

ARLINGTON, Va. – Arlington County Manager Barbara Donnellan will recommend to the County Board that it acquire title to a seven-story office building and property on the east side of Courthouse... Read More >

Homeless Get Help from Air Force JROTC Cadets

by Scott McCaffrey - Efforts to aid the homeless in Arlington got a boost Nov. 5 from what at first might be considered an unlikely source: the county school system’s Air Force Junior ROTC program. About 20 squadron members participated in a fund-raising walk to support... Read More >

I'm Not Invisible

By ifdy - “He told me, ‘I made a lot of bad decisions’ but kept the details to himself,” said Taylor as he recounted his discussion with Dale, a homeless man in Northern Virginia.“ He was very positive and optimistic despite the fact that he was homeless.” Read More >

Group conducts survey to aid homeless in Arlington County

By Timothy Wilson - Arlington County officials took a step toward reducing homelessness by launching the “100 Homes Arlington” campaign last week, conducting a three-day survey to identify and assess the needs of the area’s homeless. County officials said the information gathered from the survey... Read More >

Registry Week Offers Snapshot of Arlington's Homeless Population

By Mary Dallao - Last week, for three days during the early morning hours of 4:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m., a small army of more than 150 community volunteers and Arlington County staff took to the streets to identify and survey our neighborhoods’ most vulnerable homeless people. Read More >

Our Man in Arlington

By Charlie Clark - A coalition of the wealthy, the middle class and the poor came together last week to tackle two societal problems: homelessness and sleeplessness. "100 Homes for 100 Homeless Arlingtonians," a three-night blitz of well-caffeinated volunteers designed to count... Read More >

Group Completes Homeless Survey In Arlington

By Jonathan Wilson - Volunteers and county workers identified and surveyed 153 homeless individuals in the Arlington County over the course of a week. They found that nearly 30 percent of those surveyed showed tri-morbidity, a term for homeless individuals with a combination of.... Read More >

100 Homes for 100 Homeless Arlingtonians

By Ellen Scott - On October 17th through October 19th, during the wee hours of the morning, more than 150 community volunteers and Arlington County staff went out into the streets of Arlington to identify and survey the most vulnerable homeless individuals.  Read More >

Arlington identifying 'most vulnerable' for free housing

By Liz Essley - Arlington County volunteers took to the streets this week to survey 153 homeless people in the county, 100 of whom will be given homes based on a vulnerability index designed to chronicle who is in most need of immediate help. Read More >

An Inside Look at the Homeless in Arlington

By Laura R. Schwartz - I had the opportunity to Volunteer with Arlington County this week to help with their 100 Homes for 100 Homeless Campaign, which hopes to end homelessness in Arlington. It’s a remarkable organization and herculean effort to be part of the national campaign to find... Read More >

A Place of My Own

By Kenneth Belkosky - On Jan. 17, 1966, I was born at Washington Hospital Center to Margerie Ann Carr and Michael Belkosky. After about three years, my parents separated after a big fight. My mom said, “Go ahead and leave, and take the kids with you.” Read More >

100,000 Homes Comes to the DC Metro Area

By Sarah Fleischman - Two local organizations have recently joined the 100,000 Homes campaign, a national push to house 100,000 homeless people by July 2013. “The neat thing about this campaign is that it is very streamlined. It is effective, it is efficient and generates amazing outcomes," ... Read More >

Counties join campaign to house chronic, at-risk homeless 

By Charles Taylor - As a child, Harold Fisher would play in the Arlington County, Va. park that eventually became his “home.” He found a sheltered area near the park’s tennis courts to sleep nights in later years when he was homeless. Today Fisher, 42, who suffers from Type 2 diabetes, asthma... Read More >

Arlington starts campaign to help end homelessness

By Timothy Wilson - As part of their 10-year plan to end homelessness, Arlington County officials announced this month the start of the “100 Homes Arlington” campaign to find housing for 100 of their most vulnerable citizens. The county is one of four communities to participate in the statewide... Read More >

Arlington To Give 100 Homes To Homeless

By Jonathan Wilson - Arlington County is embarking on a new effort to help the hundreds of homeless people stuck out on the streets. It's called "100 Homes," and it's different from anything the county has tried in the past. Arlington is one of the richest counties in the nation... Read More >

A-SPAN Featured on GroupOn

By Abby Albright - The G-Team, the charitable section of Groupon, is featuring A-SPAN’s Make It A Home Fund as this week's deal. If 50 people donate $10, A-SPAN can donate a mattress and other necessary accessories to a person transitioning out of homelessness. Read More >

7 Questions – Kathleen Sibert (A-SPAN)

CFP - CFP welcomes … Kathleen Sibert, Executive Director of the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN), whose workers reach out directly to to homeless men and women — frequenting wooded areas, overpasses, parks, and abandoned buildings... Read More >

Moran, Staff Aid A-SPAN Efforts

Sun Gazette - U.S. Rep. Jim Moran and several staff members recently visited Central United Methodist Church in Ballston, donating nine cases of water for the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) to deliver to the homeless in the community during a period of excessive heat. Read More >

Heat Advisory in Effect Today

By ARLnow.com - In response to the heat, the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network is opening its main office at 2708-B S. Nelson Street early, at 9:30 this morning. Homeless individuals will be able to go inside the office to get cool. Read More >

A-SPAN to Open Facilities to Homeless Early Due to Extreme Heat

Sun Gazette - Due to extremely high temperatures predicted for today, the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) main office, located at 2708-B South Nelson St., will open beginning at 9:30 a.m. this morning for street homeless individuals to come inside and stay cool. Read More >

A-SPAN: Homeless Soccermania and More

by Jane Collins - I took a soccer class in college nearly, well, never mind, but it was before soccer really caught on in the United states.  I was terrible then and I am terrible now.  And I know I’m terrible now because my husband Mike and I played soccer last Thursday evening with the Arlington Tigers Read More >

Street Soccer Helps Turn Homeless Man's Life Around

WASHINGTON (WUSA) - Why do you play sports? For most of us, the answer is, "It's for fun, it's for exercise, it's for camaraderie with our and fellow competitors." But for a group of athletes we spent time with this week, they play sports because they have nowhere else to go. Read More >

A-SPAN in Running for New Toyota Minivan

Sun Gazette - The Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) has a one-in-five chance of winning a new vehicle in a national competition, and is asking for the local community’s help is improving those odds. A-SPAN is one of 500 non-profit organizations selected across the U.S... Read More >

Helping the Homeless Beat the Heat

By Ginna Huntoon - With a major heat wave heading our way, the members of the Arlington Street People Assistance Network (A-SPAN) are faced with a challenge: securing the safety of the local homeless community. Arlington has an estimated 500 people living without a permanent home... Read More >

Chamber Bestows Annual ‘Best Business’ Awards

by Scott McCaffrey - The Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network, or A-SPAN, was honored as the non-profit of the year. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2011, A-SPAN now has more than 1,000 volunteers. Read More >

A-SPAN Receives Federal Funds to Expand Supportive-Housing

Sun Gazette - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has provided $91,000 in new funding for the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN’s) permanent supportive-housing programs for chronically homeless individuals. Read More >

Nowhere To Go

By Delia Sava - It’s late morning on a Friday at the Central United Methodist Church in Ballston; volunteers of the congregation have been here since 6 a.m. preparing and serving their weekly breakfast for the homeless. Since the closing of the Emergency Winter Shelter (EWS) on April 1... Read More >

A-SPAN Chief: Lower Count of Homeless Not Representative

by Scott McCaffrey - New statistics showing a decline in the number of homeless across Arlington aren’t reflective of the true extent of the problem in the county, according to the head of the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN). Read More >

Emergency Winter Shelter Closes Up for Season

Sun Gazette - The county government’s Emergency Winter Shelter closed up operations the night of March 31-April 1, with 58 clients spending the night at the facility. The shelter is open from Nov. 1 to March 31 each winter season, operated by the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN). Read More >

With Shelter Closed, Arlington’s Homeless Look for Places to Sleep

By ARLnow.com - Arlington County’s emergency winter shelter is now closed, and the dozens of homeless individuals who stay there will be looking for a new place to sleep tonight. About 50 percent of the shelter’s clients will stay in Arlington County over the summer, according to shelter director Olivia Payton Read More >

THE 3-MINUTE INTERVIEW: Kathleen Sibert

By Emily Babay - Sibert is executive director of the Arlington Street People's Assistance Network, better known as A-SPAN, which helps homeless people in the region. What projects is A-SPAN working on now? The organization is working hard on getting the county to build or renovation a buildingr… Read More >

Homeless Service Center Idea Now Part of County Plans

by Scott McCaffrey - A proposal to create a 50-bed, year-round “homeless service center” still faces budget and location hurdles but has the County Board’s support, the board’s top social-service advocate said. Board members on March 12 adopted new affordable-housing goals and targets... Read More >

County Board Revises Affordable Housing Goals

By ARLnow.com - On Saturday, the County Board unanimously approved a series of affordable housing goals for 2015, with an eye toward preventing and ending homelessness. The board formally set the goal of creating a comprehensive, year-round homeless shelter... Read More >

Making It Count

By Delia Sava - Survey tracks number of people who are homeless. "If you want to do a really good job, and you want really accurate information, you’ve got to hit the streets," said Kathy Sibert, executive director of A-SPAN about the organization’s Point-in-Time Count conducted on Wednesday, Jan. 26. Read More >

Homeless Count Coming Later in Month

by Scott McCaffrey - The official count of Arlington’s homeless population is expected to be released informally by the end of the month. Teams from the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) fanned out across the county Jan. 26 for the 2011 Point-in-Time Count... Read More >

Counting the Homeless

By Delia Sava - ASPAN conducted their annual Point-in-Time count of homeless persons in Arlington. The cold and nasty weather of the “thunder-snow” on Wednesday, was just one of the challenges facing teams from A-SPAN as they conducted the annual Point-in-Time count of homeless persons... Read More >

Arlington Co. Dealing With Rise In Homeless Single Adults

By Jonathan Wilson - Communities across the country are busy this week conducting their annual count of the number of homeless people who out on the streets. Volunteers for Arlington Street People's Assistance Network, or A-SPAN, are handing out soup and sandwiches to the homeless at Oakland... Read More >

Homeless Count Slated for Today

Sun Gazette - Teams from the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) are expected to fan out across the county today for the 2011 Point-in-Time Count, which aims to uncover how many homeless persons there are in the county. Read More >

Serving Breakfast and Hugs for the Homeless

By Delia Sava - Local volunteers and A-Span serve the homeless weekly at Central United Methodist Church in Ballston. Every Friday by 6 a.m. Jean and Gene Cross are in the basement of Central United Methodist Church in Ballston preparing breakfast for Arlington’s homeless. Read More >

Arlington hopes to find new homeless shelter site in 2011

By Rebecca A. Cooper - For the past several years, Arlington’s homelessness advocates have eagerly awaited a time when they have a permanent, year-round space to offer shelter, food, health and other social services to the county’s most vulnerable community. Read More >

Christmas 2010 in America: 3 Stories of Struggle Tradition & Wonder

Jeffrey Davis remembers Christmas two years ago at his former home in Arlington, Virginia, outside Washington. “We had a great Christmas tree -- nice presents, with family, friends, loved ones, people you want to be around because it only happens once a year. Read More >

Light Up Rosslyn: A-SPAN's Help-the-Homeless Holiday Gala

A-SPAN is known for their ability to transform lives and their community. Their gala, held at the Artisphere, helped raise funds that would pull people off of the streets and transition them into stable, sustainable housing. On Thursday, hundreds of people from across Arlington came to the Artisphere... Read More >

Boy Scouts Get Involved in Homeless-Shelter Discussion

by Scott McCaffrey - Supporters of a proposal to create a year-round shelter for the homeless in Arlington appear to be picking up allies among local Boy Scouts. At the Dec. 11 County Board meeting, Spencer Cobb of Boy Scout Troop 167 - there as part of his citizenship project - quizzed elected officials... Read More >

The Christmas shoeboxes

by Katie Bahr - "Everyone deserves to have a present on Christmas.” Those words, from Grace Hamilton, 13, sum up a parishwide tradition at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Arlington — a gift drive that has been around for more than 25 years, in which parishioners donate shoeboxes filled... Read More >

Homeless services prepare for winter

by Jenny Rogers - The chill that fell over Washington this weekend is more than an annoyance on the walk home from Metro. For the area’s homeless shelters and service providers, cold weather means more strain on their facilities, resources, and time. Read More >

More cities offer homeless free storage to ease mobility

by Marisa Kendall - Last Thanksgiving, Phillip Black says most of his belongings were thrown away by the police. Black, 43, says he has been sleeping on the streets of Washington, D.C., ever since illness forced him out of work and his home three years ago. Read More >

County on Hunt for Venue to Host Year-Round Shelter

by Scott McCaffrey - County government officials appear to have ruled out using their dilapidated Emergency Winter Shelter facility as the site for a future year-round shelter, and may already be negotiating for the location of a permanent facility. Read More >

'Tis the Season for Giving

by Ellen Scott - On Friday, Giant Food donated $10,000 to Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN), a community based organization dedicated to help every homeless person in Arlington County get off the streets and live a better life. Giant presented the check on Friday at Nottingham... Read More >

Winter-Shelter Clients Will Get Access to Nursing Services

by Scott McCaffrey - For the first time, those using the county government’s Emergency Winter Shelter will have access to on-site health care. Through a grant from the Arlington Community Foundation, the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) will be able to provide a nurse practitioner... Read More >

A Look Inside the County’s Emergency Winter Shelter

ARLnow - Arlington’s emergency winter shelter in Courthouse is now open and serving dozens of homeless individuals. On Saturday, reporters got a tour of the facility. The Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network, which runs the shelter, gave the tour in advance of the group’s Community Walk... Read More >

Congressman Moran Visits A-SPAN's Emergency Winter Shelter

By Sara Carothers - A-SPAN's Emergency Winter Shelter operates from November 1-March 31, and Congressman Jim Moran came by an open house on Saturday to show his support for the vital services for Arlington's homeless. Read More >

Street Guide To Emergency Services: Provide Something Better

Arlington Weekly News - "We don't think you've seen one of these yet, and we think it's a good idea, and that you'll want to get one. This is the Street Guide To Emergency Services that the Arlington Street People's Assistance Network, or A-SPAN, is making available..." Watch the Video >

New Guide to Aid Panhandlers, Others on the Street Find Services

Plan for Year-Round Shelter Could Be Public Soon

by Scott McCaffrey - The Arlington County government’s Emergency Winter Shelter opens for the season on Nov. 1, and county officials may be just weeks away from detailing measures to eventually expand shelter services to year-round operation. Read More >

A-SPAN: What's your agenda?

By Rebecca A. Cooper - Name: Arlington Street People's Assistance Network (A-SPAN) Motto: Helping the Homeless in Arlington Members: A-SPAN has 18 full-time staff members and more than 1,000 volunteers, according to executive director Kathy Sibert. Read More >

Tweet-up

Bisnow - What happens when social media and real life collide? No, the Old Spice Guy doesn't come to life (sorry, ladies). We're talking about Tweet-ups: meet-ups organized through Twitter. Read More >

How to Win an Online Grant Contest

Bisnow - A-SPAN, a non-profit helping the homeless in Arlington, VA, joined a coalition with other groups (including Atlas Corps) to cross-promote and pool their votes in the Chase Community Giving contest. Director of Development Jan Sacharko tells us each organization set up... Read More >

Credit Union Honors A-SPAN Volunteer

Sun Gazette - Arlington Community Federal Credit Union recently presented Missy Snelling with its “People Helping People” Award, for her volunteer efforts in support of the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN). Read More >

A-SPAN Receives $90K Federal Grant

ARLnow - The Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network is getting a $90,750 grant from the feds. A-SPAN was one of 550 local homeless organizations selected to receive funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care program. Read More >

Hip & Happening

Bisnow - Only two months after joining Facebook, Arlington Street People's Assistance Network won $25,000 from the Chase Community Giving Challenge, a grant competition in which Facebook users vote for their favorite charities. Read More >

Honoring Those That Help The Homeless

By Vanessa Mizell - A local community volunteer, church and business were inducted into the Arlington Street People's Assistance Network's volunteer hall of fame during the organization's recent spring event at the Signature Theater. Read More >

Homeless Advocates See Prospects Brighten for Year-Round Shelter

by Scott McCaffrey - Momentum among top elected officials appears to be shifting, in stages, toward support for a year-round shelter to assist Arlington’s homeless population. “We’re excited about the possibility,” said Meg Tuccillo, chairman of the board of directors... Read More >

A-SPAN Announces New Hall-of-Fame Inductees

Sun Gazette - Art Baltrym, Shirlington Self Storage and Central United Methodist Church have been announced as the latest crop of inductees into the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) Hall of Fame. Read More >

Return of warm days returns D.C. area's homeless to streets

By Darryl Fears - One of the coldest winters in the region's history had passed, but Stanley Terry of Arlington County had a deeply worried look. The emergency hypothermia shelter where Terry, who is homeless, had slept for the past few months to avoid the life-threatening cold shut its doors April 1... Read More >

Charities swap formal fundraisers for playtime at pubs

By Hamil R. Harris - At a time when donations to charities are down, a number of nonprofit groups are exchanging pledge drives and dinner dances for kickball tournaments and "American Idol"-style singing competitions. Read More >

Arlington nonprofit competes for $1 million on Facebook

By Darryl Fears - Jan-Michael Sacharko looked desparate. He felt dizzy. His mouth was dry. He was pleading with Georgetown University students to vote for his homeless advocacy group on Facebook so it could win $1 million. "Do you have 10 seconds to help the homeless?" he cried out. Read More >

Students Honored for Award-Winning King Essays

by Scott McCaffrey - County students had the opportunity to shine a spotlight on worthy local non-profit organizations at the 41st annual Arlington tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “I believe that if everyone just helped someone, the world would be a better place,” said Shakiya Harrison... Read More >

Homeless Group In $1 Million Contest

Fox 5 News - A local homeless group is a finalist in a competition to win one million dollars. Now, they are asking for your help to help them win! Kathleen Sibert is the executive director of Arlington Street People's Assistance Network and she joined us with details. Watch the Video >

A-SPAN in Running for Million-Dollar National Prize

by Scott McCaffrey - Expansion of the Arlington emergency winter shelter to a year-round facility could come a whole lot closer to reality, if the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) wins a $1 million grant that relies on a public vote through the Facebook social-networking site. Read More >

A vote for nonprofit group could be worth $1 million

Washington Post - The Arlington Street People's Assistance Network was recently notified by Chase Bank that the organization is eligible for a $1 million donation. The organization successfully competed with 500,000 nonprofit groups on Facebook... Read More >

In Arlington, need for emergency shelter swells

By Yamiche Alcindor - Arlington County's emergency winter homeless shelter is working to expand its resources and services for people who seek its help each night. Kathleen Sibert, executive director of the Arlington Street People's Assistance Network, the nonprofit group that operates the shelter... Read More >

Homeless Shelter Opens for Winter With Additional Beds

by Scott McCaffrey - County government officials on Nov. 1 opened Arlington’s emergency winter shelter, which has been expanded this year to accommodate what is expected to be a larger group in need of a place to sleep when cold weather descends on the area. Read More >

Arlington Awarded Stimulus Funds to Fight Homelessness

Arlington County - Arlington County has been awarded $363,600 to prevent households from becoming homeless and to quickly re-house and stabilize those who are homeless. At its meeting today, the Arlington County Board appropriated the grant... Read More >

A-SPAN Wins Contract to Operate Winter Shelter

Sun Gazette - The Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) has received a five-year contract from the Arlington County government to operate the Arlington Emergency Winter Shelter, located in the Courthouse area. Read More >